Weeping Willows

By Dragonessclaw

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story. They are the product of the wonderful Rumiko Takahashi. Only the story is mine.

Everyone again thank you all for the wonderful reviews. Also I wanted to give special thanks to Purple Tuesday who really made my day.

Chapter 23 Will You Accept My Apology

FOUR DAYS LATER

Inuyasha was livid, the information he'd gotten from Kagura was useless. He should have known she was just playing with him. On top of that with all the flirting she had been doing the bitch didn't even put out.

It didn't matter however; Inuyasha was nothing if not resourceful. As he continued his surveillance his grip tightened on the binoculars he had been holding. The spoiled little rich boy had finally walked in his sight.

"Finally. How long does it take to get dressed and leave?" Inuyasha muttered.

He had been sitting in his car watching the prick's house forever. When Sesshomaru finally emerged from what Inuyasha figured was the bedroom he had thought his wait was almost over. However, it had been two hours and Inuyasha hadn't been able to catch another glimpse of him. Deciding to get out of the car to get a better vantage point Inuyasha started circling the property staying close to the trees.

Hearing movement behind him Inuyasha turned but all he saw was a large fist coming at him. Acting instinctively Inuyasha stepped back causing the hit to just graze his chin. Readying himself for a fight Inuyasha started to get into a defensive stance when pain exploded behind his eyes causing him to fall to the ground.

"We've got him sir," A deep voice said from behind him somewhere off to his right. Inuyasha tried to think over what the voice could mean when he felt the sting of a needle.

Almost instantly everything around him started to fade away. "Get his legs we need to do this quick," a voice said coming from in front of him.

So that's what it was, while the first one distracted me another hit me from behind. That was Inuyasha's last thought before he succumbed and lost consciousness.

IN ANOTHER PART OF TOWN

"Kagome, you're not seriously thinking of giving Sesshomaru flowers are you?" Miroku asked. "I really don't they would be received well. Actually I am pretty sure they would make things worse."

"What else am I supposed to give him? You know I can't just show up without an apology gift," Kagome said exasperated. She was at her wits end. She could not find an appropriate gift to use as the proverbial olive branch to go with her apology. Miroku was supposed to accompany her to help but he proved his uselessness an hour ago. Everything he suggested was either too personal for their situation or just not right.

"Well," Miroku said wiggling his eyes suggestively, "You could also ways just show up in a raincoat with only a negligee underneath and a bow around your neck. I'd forgive you."

Kagome stopped walking and gave Miroku one of the coldest glares he had ever seen, "Really Miroku. I'm serious. We need to talk, the last thing I am thinking about is anything sexual," she finished as she smacked him on his shoulder.

"It was just a suggestion," Miroku said as he rubbed his aching shoulder wondering how such a small woman was so heavy-handed.

After a while Kagome had finally decided to go with her first thought and picked out some yellow roses since they were a symbol for both an apology and a broken heart. Sesshomaru made much more than her and came from a family with money. She doubted any gift she bought would be something he wouldn't already have or need so she went for something simple and heartfelt so after bidding Miroku goodbye she headed for Sesshomaru's house.

Standing at his door Kagome was a nervous wreck, the act of moving forward at all became heroism. Smoothing down the sides of her dress she took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. When the door opened Kagome was dumbfounded, she couldn't help the smile that spread across her face.

Sesshomaru stood there staring down at her with a quizzical look upon his face and he was absolutely beautiful. She had not realized how much she missed seeing him and just being in his presence until she was standing in front of him right now.

"Hi, may I come in?" Kagome asked as she tried to keep him from seeing just how nervous she was.

"I have a previous appointment that I need to attend to. Maybe we can reschedule as I don't have much time at the moment." Sesshomaru stated his eyes drifting to the small plant in her hands.

Kagome felt her heart sink as she realized this was not going to be as easy as just apologizing. A part of her knew this but she had tried to ignore that part telling herself when she did come he would be more than happy to see her. Resignation setting in she turned to leave and then stopped. No, this would not happen like this Kagome would not back down. Sesshomaru was worth the fight.

Steeling herself Kagome turned back and called his name as the door was shutting. "Sesshomaru, please. I just need a moment and then later if you will let me I will come by another time. But right now there is something I need to say that can't wait."

Stepping back to allow her entry Sesshomaru shut the door behind her and led Kagome to the kitchen. When he opened the door and saw it was Kagome his breathe caught in his throat. He wasn't sure he was ready to see her yet or what to say.

Thankfully, he had an important matter that needed his immediate attention so he could have more time to sort out exactly what he was feeling. However, when she all but pleaded for a few moments Sesshomaru could not resist. If he were to be honest with himself he would admit that he was pleasantly surprised at her resolve.

Leading her into the kitchen where he was having tea he pulled out a seat for Kagome and then took one as well. Sesshomaru tried to remain unaffected as he sat across for the one person that had been haunting his every waking moment.

Kagome handed Sesshomaru the roses first watching as he put them in a vase and returned to his chair. "I brought you an apology gift for my behavior. I have no excuse, I can only say that I was caught off guard and very hurt by your accusations and statements. I don't know where we stand right now or what you meant by some of the things you said. I don't even know if you still feel that we are best apart so I will only speak for myself. I do feel very deeply for you, and I think we can have something very special. I know we need to talk and work some things out and I want you to know I am willing to do that."

Bringing out another gift Kagome passes a small rectangular box colorfully wrapped across the table.

Sesshomaru quirked an eyebrow questionably and asked, "Another apology gift?"

"Yes," Kagome answered looking down slightly, her cheeks starting to color.

"This is for slapping you," Kagome said demurely. "I know that I over-reacted and that I was completely out of line. No matter how upset I was I had no right to put my hands on you. I really don't know what came over me. I swear I am not usually like that, I do have a temper and can give you an earful but I am not really a violent person. I only hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Well, that was it I had better go now."

"Thank you," Sesshomaru said as he opened the small box to discover a set of six silk hair ties.

"I know you like to leave your hair out but I figured you could use it for when you are at work. I got the basic colors and of course a gray and white to make sure you had a color to match the majority of your suits." Kagome said hopefully. It had taken forever to figure out just what to give him. Kagome finally settled on something practical that showed thoughtfulness.

"Meeting her eyes Sesshomaru nodded, "Your gifts are very much appreciated. Maybe we can continue this conversation another time."

Nodding her acquiesce Kagome stood up and Sesshomaru followed suit. As they walked back towards the front door no more was said. Kagome bid him goodbye and started down the walkway trying to keep her steps even, resisting the urge to run from the meeting that left her quiet disappointed. Nothing gives us courage more readily than the desire to avoid looking like a damn fool, so Kagome turned and gave Sesshomaru a half-smile and a wave and left holding her head up high. Yes she was a little discouraged, she had expected him to say something, anything, to give her a clue of his feelings but she would not give up.

Meanwhile With Inuyasha

Inuyasha looked up at the sound of the door opening. Two men walked in stationing themselves at each side of the door, followed by Sesshomaru.

"Inuyasha we meet face to face. I hear you have been looking for me." Sesshomaru said as he walked into the room.

Inuyasha glared at Sesshomaru as he walked in, "What the fuck is this? Why am I tied up here?"

"You don't know why I have had you brought here?" Sesshomaru asked.

"I'm guessing that bitch Kagura told you I was asking about you. So, I haven't done anything wrong. If anything it is you that is in the wrong. What, you get tired of the women in your circles so you had to go after mine?"

Sesshomaru looked at Inuyasha as if he was delusional. Was he really trying to tell him that he and Kagome were still together? Inuyasha really didn't believe that did he? Or did Inuyasha think Sesshomaru was stupid enough to believe him?

"It was my understanding the two of you parted ways long ago," Sesshomaru said as he looked down at Inuyasha.

"Keh, we were just on break. Kagome is mine and always will be. She just got a little uppity and I gave her space to get herself together. She knows I love her and that I am the only one that has always been there for her."

"How, by hitting her?" Sesshomaru had been trying to keep his temper but the more Inuyasha opened his mouth the harder it got.

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at Sesshomaru. "She tell you that? She is always over reacting. She just stepped out of line a bit; it was no more than a love tap."

Sesshomaru had heard enough. The only reason he had even talked to him this much was to try and figure out if he was mentally all there or if there was another angle he'd missed.

"That is of no consequence now. You will leave town immediately. There will be no further contact with Higurashi Kagome, from this day forward she is my responsibility."

Laughing at him Inuyasha asked, "Or what? What you gonna do get your henchmen here to rough me up. What is the spoiled little rich kid too afraid to come at me like a real man?"

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed as his anger and disgust grew.

"A real man? You. One that finds pleasure in dominating women. I think not." Sesshomaru all but growled his voice laced with venom.

"Well, I think…."

"Insect!" shouted Sesshomaru. "Do you think I care what you think? You are nothing and no one." Sesshomaru said as he stalked toward Inuyasha. Walking up to the chair Inuyasha was currently tied to Sesshomaru went around and untied him.

"My henchmen, as you say were only here to watch you until I came." Sesshomaru stepped back and pulled a silk tie out of his pocket. He then reached up and pulled his hair up into a high ponytail.

"I need no assistance with the likes of you. Come, I will show you a real man."

Inuyasha just stared at Sesshomaru for a moment. So the spoiled little rich kid thought he had some balls did he. Standing to his full height Inuyasha stretched out his stiff arms and grinned. This was going to be fun.

Well that's it for now. Until next time.